Directing Learning: Student Documentaries for 21st  Century Communication

When RST Assistant Professor Matthew Browning was looking for an alternative end-of-year assignment for his Contemporary Issues students, he turned to an activity that he enjoys himself—creating short-form videos.

“I wanted to share that passion and skillset with our students,” Browning said, pointing out that students could put their video-making skills on their resumes and perhaps, even build a career around them. 

Check out this video to see the process that professor Browning’s students use to create their videos, skills they learn, rich resources that are available on campus to help them, and what they think of the project. 

Canvas Summer Training Program

The Office of the Provost is excited to announce our 2022 Illinois Summer Teaching Institute, a chance for faculty to review good practice, collaborate with colleagues and receive hands-on training. This year’s institute is a two-session event for faculty and teaching assistants, entitled Canvas Summer Training Program. The first session is an opportunity for instructors new to Canvas to become acquainted with the platform. Session 2 offers current and experienced users (including those who completed Session 1) the chance to become more proficient and learn advanced features and tools.

Due to space limitations, instructors must be nominated by their college in order to attend. Colleges must provide a list of faculty and teaching assistants to our office by April 29. If you are interested in participating in the 2022 Canvas Summer Training Program, please reach out to your college or department.  See the CITL website for additional information.

Final Exams: Exam Services Extended Hours

Exam Services will be open during the following hours during final exam week to process exams administered with Scantrons:

• Friday, May 6:  8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Monday, May 9 through Friday, May 13:  8:30 am - 5:00 pm

We will remain open over the lunch hour from 12 to 1. We are located in room 247 of the Armory Building. Contact us at 244-3839 or exams@illinois.edu.

List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students

The List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students for Fall 2021 and Winter 2021-2022 is now available at go.illinois.edu/lotrae.  If your course is missing, check your instructor report against the criteria in the list. At least five students must have completed the relevant item(s) and you must have released your name and course for inclusion on the list if you qualify. For questions or corrections, please email ices@illinois.edu or call 244-3846.

Innovation Studio Open Hours
Tuesday, April 26
10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Armory Room 172, no registration required, recurs every Tuesday
Hosts: Jamie Nelson and Megan Baird

Canvas Open Hours
Wednesday, April 27
1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., online via Zoom, no registration required, see calendar entry for Zoom link, recurs every Wednesday
Hosts: CITL Instructional Support and Training

Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series
Thursday, May 5
12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M., online via Zoom, registration required
Panel Discussion

See the CITL Event Calendar for all upcoming workshops. Looking for other training options? You might want to check out the Canvas Workshop Calendar, and additional training opportunities provided through Training Services (formally FAST3).

Ending the Semester
(from Georgetown University CNDLS) 

A semester is a marathon effort, and, by the time you reach the end of it, it’s quite possible that everyone—you and the students both—will be exhausted, and perhaps very ready to leave the course behind. But one last thoughtful push can ensure that the course’s conclusion is meaningful in its own right. Naturally, the final stretch of the course is an important time to reflect on the class experience and the material that’s been covered. Not only is it an opportunity to review material that students might need to revisit as they approach final exams and final papers—or to answer any questions that, for the students, remain unresolved—it’s also an opportunity to underscore the significance of the experience the students have just had, to invite the students to appreciate how far they’ve come in a few months. Here are some ways to maximize the end of the semester through reflection, integration, gathering feedback, and looking forward.

Eleven Tips to End of the Semester Success (From One Student to Another)
(from Utica College Student Voices) 

The end of the semester (especially Spring Semester) can bring many challenges and stressors. The weather is starting to get nicer, the days are getting longer, and your attention span is getting shorter. If your class schedule has looked anything like mine, you’ve probably been pounded with essays, projects, and tests since returning from spring break. It can all get very overwhelming quickly, and by the time finals starts approaching you’ve all but virtually checked out. As hard as it may be, it’s important to keep your morale high to get through finals. No one wants to throw away all the hard work they’ve put in throughout the semester over a little stress and fatigue. So, here’s some of my tips on how to stay focused and finish out the semester strong.